The Member Who Surprises with His Real Age
Xiumin is the oldest member of EXO, but he is often mistaken for the youngest due to his appearance. Despite being born in 1990, his babyface makes him look like he was born in the early 2000s. This often causes confusion even at fan events. Xiumin has never had a habit of hiding his age. However, many people who meet him for the first time assume that he is the maknae (the youngest member) of the group. His off-stage persona is particularly energetic and calm, giving no indication of his age.
His Interest in Martial Arts
One of the details that shows Xiumin is not an ordinary idol is that he has trained in martial arts such as taekwondo and kendo. It is known that he participated in kendo tournaments during his high school years and earned some ranks. During his training at SM, he was one of the members who improved the most in terms of physical condition. The company's trainers described his endurance and discipline as “like an athlete.”
His Journey to EXO Actually Started by Accident
Xiumin applied to SM's “Everysing Contest” in 2008 only at his friend's insistence. He came in second place, but the real surprise was that SM officials recognized his potential and invited him for an interview. Interestingly, he had no aspirations of becoming an idol at the time. He was preparing for university and had planned to pursue a career in sports or physical education. Even when he went to the interview, he took his notebook with him instead of a list of songs.
Stage Name: “Frozen Face”
One of Xiumin's nicknames is “Frozen Face.” This is not only because he looks young, but also because he hardly ever changes his facial expression during performances. No matter how intensely he dances, his facial expressions remain almost unchanged. This has been praised many times by EXO's dance instructors. Maintaining facial expressions while delivering a flawless performance demonstrates a high level of stage control.
He went to university on his own initiative
Despite his idol career, Xiumin never abandoned his education. He studied Musical Theater at Myongji University and went on to earn a master's degree in Applied Music at Hoseo University. These choices were not made due to sponsorship or company pressure but entirely out of his own volition. Even during intense tour periods, he continued his studies remotely and submitted his graduation projects.
He Didn't Sit Idle During Military Service
During his military service from 2019 to 2020, Xiumin didn't just participate in routine training; he was also selected for a music group within the army and actively participated in events. During some of his performances while in the military, even EXO fans couldn't recognize him at first glance. This was because he had completely shaved his head and wasn't wearing any makeup. However, thanks to fans who recognized his voice and posture, his performances quickly went viral on social media.
The Secret Authority Among EXO Members
As the oldest member of the group, Xiumin may appear calm on stage, but he is quite authoritative backstage. He is particularly strict about rehearsal discipline and has a rule-oriented personality, even going so far as to reprimand members who arrive late. Chen once said in an interview, “Even if Xiumin doesn't say anything, we can tell what he's thinking just by where he stands.” This highlights his quiet yet effective leadership qualities.
The Unique Brotherhood Shared with Chen
One of the closest friendships among EXO members is between Chen and Xiumin. Not only did the two work together in the same sub-unit, EXO-CBX, but they also lived together for a long time. Xiumin is known to have sent a special gift to Chen after the birth of his daughter and to have attended family gatherings. Their bond is referred to by fans as “EXO's silent brotherhood.”
Retro Touches in His Solo Debut
Xiumin stepped far outside his EXO image with his 2022 solo album “Brand New.” The songs on the album featured retro sounds inspired by 90s K-pop. The most striking detail was the use of old-school idol choreography in his dance performances instead of modern moves. This made him not only nostalgic but also an artist who pays homage to nostalgia on stage.
Obsessive Cleanliness
Xiumin's obsession with cleanliness affects not only his own room but also the living spaces of other members. He has been seen cleaning kitchens periodically and even leaving notes when dishes are left in the sink. Lay once said in an interview, “If Xiumin enters the kitchen before us, we're afraid to do anything because everything is arranged in a millimeter-perfect order.” This situation is both funny and offers a very special glimpse into Xiumin's character.
Café Business Dream and Reality
Xiumin has been talking about his dream of running a café for many years. After completing his military service, he began to seriously consider this dream, and it was reported in the press that he was working on several concepts. However, the interesting part is that Xiumin doesn't actually like drinking coffee. He is more interested in atmosphere and interior design. For this reason, the menu of his potential cafe will focus more on design elements and comfort than drinks.
An Unusual Feature at Fan Events: Eye Contact
Xiumin is known as one of the EXO members who makes eye contact with fans for the longest time. Especially during autograph sessions, he is recognized for staring directly at the person in front of him for several seconds, even if he doesn't speak. This behavior is interpreted by some fans as “touching the heart with his eyes.” In fact, some fans practice in front of a mirror before his turn—because it's quite difficult not to be surprised during eye contact.
Unexpected Comedic Genius
Despite his quiet nature, Xiumin's appearances on EXO programs often leave everyone in stitches. Especially on the show “EXO Showtime,” his unexpected cold jokes revealed that the group's most serious-looking member actually has a subtle sense of humor. Baekhyun once said in an interview, “If Xiumin makes a joke, you have to laugh, otherwise he'll just stare at you silently.” This shows that he manages his humor both internally and externally.
Quiet Rise in Acting
Although Xiumin seems to be focused on his music career, he has also been quite successful on screen. In particular, his character in the web drama “Falling for Challenge” broke viewing records and received over 20 million views in a short period of time. His success in the series earned him praise not only from fans but also from the industry. However, he did not use this attention to completely shift his career path to acting, but only to gain new experiences.
Even Sweat is Planned on Stage
One of the details Xiumin pays the most attention to in his stage outfits is the fabric's ability to absorb sweat. He rehearses countless times to ensure his outfit looks good under stage lights after sweating. For this reason, he often collaborates with stylists on fabric selection for his stage costumes. His aesthetic concerns extend beyond makeup or hair, as he maintains control over even the smallest details.
Secret Sports Obsession: Not Soccer, But Curling
His interest in curling, a sport that is not very popular in Korea, surprised even his fans. In an interview, he said that he discovered the sport while watching the Olympics and felt a strange sense of peace while watching the stones slide. It is known that he watches curling strategies on YouTube in his spare time and even loves simulation videos of the sport on ice. This unusual preference is a small window into his attention to detail.
Handwriting Has Cult Status Among Fans
Xiumin's handwriting has become legendary among the EXO-L community. His perfectly legible and balanced handwriting is so admired that fans print it on notebook covers, stickers, and phone cases. Screenshots of short notes he wrote at a few fan meetings have been shared thousands of times on social media. His handwriting is seen by fans as a “quiet but sincere greeting.”
Main Interest: History and Ancient Times
One of Xiumin's most interesting aspects is his interest in ancient war strategies and history. He is known to read books about major wars in Chinese and Korean history and study war tactics. In an interview, he said, “Outside of music, war history and strategies keep me mentally alive.” After this statement, some fans gave him the nickname “silent general.”
It took time for him to come to terms with his own voice
Xiumin, who plays more of a supporting role in EXO's vocal distribution, admitted that he didn't think his voice was good enough at first. However, over time, he realized that his steady vocals in lower tones added balance to the songs. In the EXO-CBX projects, his vocals were more prominent, and fans began to appreciate his soft yet steady tone. This transformation aligns perfectly with his inner growth in self-confidence.
Favorite Time: Rainy Mornings
Xiumin prefers rainy mornings to sunny days. On a program, he said, "Waking up when it's raining gives me peace. As long as I don't have to go out, those are the most productive moments for me." Some fans say his V-Live streams on rainy days feel more heartfelt. As a result, some even claim that Xiumin checks the weather forecast to predict his streaming times.
Can't Stand Spicy Food But Can't Give It Up
Xiumin has a low tolerance for spicy food. Despite this, he frequently eats spicy dishes such as tteokbokki and kimchi jjigae, which are classics of Korean cuisine. The fact that he says he continues to eat even when he starts sweating shows his “passion despite the pain.” Fans still remember when he quietly sniffed and blushed after eating a hot pepper on a TV show. This scene is a small but memorable detail that shows his character of “not running away from pain but fighting it silently.”
His Clothing Choices Are Never Predictable
It is difficult to describe Xiumin's style outside of the stage. One day he might be seen in classic-cut coats and simple shirts, and the next day he could be rocking an oversized hoodie and a sports cap in a street style. Style consultants describe him as either “a fashion follower or someone who doesn't care about fashion.” This deliberate indecision actually shows that he chooses his clothes based on his mood and isn't influenced by external factors.
Quiet but Watchful on Social Media
Xiumin rarely posts on social media. However, this passive appearance does not mean he never uses these platforms. According to fans, he is an active observer. It is said that he silently follows posts made under EXO fan tags but never likes or comments on them. According to some fan theories, the rare likes or secret posts are linked to his “secret accounts.” This has never been confirmed, but even this adds to his mysterious digital presence.
The Disciplined One
Xiumin is known within SM Entertainment not only as an artist but also as a keeper of order. His dedication to work discipline and strict time management have made him a role model for new trainees. One SM employee stated, “Xiumin arrives 10 minutes before rehearsal and leaves exactly on time, and he has never broken this routine for years.” This attitude forms the foundation of his image as a “trouble-free idol” in the industry.
He also worked as a vocal coach
During EXO's hiatus, Xiumin provided vocal coaching to some SM trainees. Although this role was never officially announced, it was confirmed by several trainees and staff members. His tips on voice control, particularly for songs with low tones, contributed greatly to the training process of many young singers. Being one of the rare idols who also stands out as a trainer has elevated him to a more respected position in the industry.
He Responded to Fan Letters in His Own Handwriting
At some special events, Xiumin responded directly to a few selected fans' letters in his own handwriting. These letters contained simple, sincere expressions rather than fancy words. Fans frame these letters and display them, showcasing Xiumin's sincerity. This gesture, which few idols in the industry take the time to do, reflects his quiet yet deep connection with his fans.
Physical Transformation After Military Service
After returning from military service, Xiumin had noticeably bulked up physically. When he returned to the stage, fans immediately noticed the increase in muscle mass, particularly in his shoulders and chest. This transformation was not accidental. While in the military, he was one of the few soldiers who woke up at 5 a.m. to do extra training on his own. He is known to have gone to the gym regularly and changed his diet to increase his protein intake.
Personal Ritual Before Performing: Silence
In the last 10 minutes before performances, silence reigns around Xiumin. He doesn't speak, doesn't wear headphones, closes his eyes, and stares at a fixed point. This habit has remained unchanged for years. Other members try not to touch him during this time. In fact, Sehun once said in an interview, “If someone calls out to Xiumin at that moment, Xiumin will only look at them with his eyes, but won't say anything. That's his moment of focus.”
Post-Performance Mental Reset
After the performance, when he returns backstage, while most idols are busy talking to the camera or taking selfies, Xiumin spends the first 3–5 minutes alone. He has said that he uses this time as a mental reset, quietly drinking water to balance his breathing and mind. This behavior is often cited as an example by those who believe that dancing is not just a physical effort but also a mental one. These brief moments of silence are his technique for refocusing.
He Continues to Take Notes by Hand
Xiumin has never adopted the habit of taking notes digitally and still uses a notebook. He writes down concert setlists, rehearsal times, and even shopping lists in his notebook. Writing plans by hand, especially in his daily life, serves as a form of meditation for him. Fans sometimes describe seeing him with his notebook as “Xiumin's silent agreement with time.” He has said that he feels more balanced and in control when he puts his thoughts on paper.
Obsessed with Heat Balance at EXO Concerts
Xiumin is the only member who pays special attention to the temperature balance between light intensity and clothing thickness while on stage. He carefully examines the stage order and light direction in advance, especially at outdoor concerts. During several rehearsals, he reportedly suggested to the stylist team that they change the fabric of his shirt based on the angle of the stage lights. These small details demonstrate his meticulous attention to performance quality.
Preparing Surprise Gifts for Fans
Some fans who had the opportunity to meet him directly shared that Xiumin prepared and gave them small gift packages. These packages included handwritten notes, small stickers, and sometimes even handmade bracelets. Such surprises are entirely his personal initiative and are not part of the company's PR plans. Fans keep these gifts as mementos rather than for trade because they believe they represent “the heart Xiumin quietly shows.”
He Analyzes Dance Recordings Minute by Minute
When watching camera recordings of his stage performances, Xiumin focuses not only on the overall impression but also on the timing down to the second. It is known that he takes notes on details such as where he looks and when he turns his feet. His dance instructors describe this habit as “not professionalism, but an obsession with discipline.” This is one of the reasons why he appears so “flawless” on stage.
Silent Friendships with Other Groups
Although Xiumin is not often seen with other artists under SM Entertainment, he has a particularly strong bond with Changmin from TVXQ and Onew from SHINee. Although these bonds are not often seen on social media, they are known to get together frequently at company events and during military service.
He also formed a gym friendship with Minhyuk from BTOB. The two served in the military at similar times and continued to work out regularly afterwards. These friendships were mostly kept away from the cameras but were described as “a union of calm leaders” in the industry.
Staying on the Edge During His Trainee Period
Xiumin faced the risk of being eliminated several times during his SM trainee period. One of the company's vocal-focused trainers had said his voice tone was “too ordinary” and wanted to remove him from the list.
However, his ability to learn quickly during performance auditions changed the trainers' minds. His concentration during dance practice and the number of individual repetitions he performed made him one of the names “rising with determination” within the system.
He Carried His Own Food During His Traineeship
Xiumin's family preferred to send him meals from home to avoid excessive spending at the SM building. It was known that he carried soup and rice in a thermos with him, especially on training days.
This habit was not only for saving money but also for maintaining his energy balance. He was known to distrust ready-made meals and preferred home-cooked food for easier digestion before training. This reflected a self-discipline that set him apart from other trainees.
He Chose to Avoid the Pressure of Popularity
Even during EXO's busiest periods, Xiumin was particularly careful not to put himself in the spotlight. He frequently turned down opportunities to appear in the foreground of music videos or host VLive broadcasts. Behind this was his belief that “popularity brings responsibility, not attention.” Among fans, this attitude reinforced his image as a “cool but unseen leader.” His silence made him seem not ordinary, but mysterious and captivating.
Future Plans Centered on Silence
Xiumin has often mentioned “a life away from the spotlight” as one of his goals for the future. He wants to focus on smaller, more manageable projects rather than large stages or constant media presence. He described one of his dreams as follows: “A small studio, a few students, a rhythm; that's all.” This clearly shows that he does not want to break away from music, but that he is tired of the hustle and bustle of the industry.
A Character Who Teaches Us to Look at Idols Differently
Xiumin’s place in the industry is far more than the typical “idol.” He has carved out a profile that is understated yet profound, quiet yet impactful. He is someone who meditates before taking the stage, thinks about the fans he made eye contact with after a concert, and carries his own food.
All these aspects have made him not just a member of EXO but a rare “balanced figure” in the K-pop industry. For fans, he has become an example of how being a star is possible even through silence.